Carbon-Plated Running Shoes: Faster… But At What Cost? – With Physio Andy Smith
About this episode
This episode discusses the impact of carbon-plated running shoes on biomechanics and injury patterns with physio Andy Smith.
Carbon-plated running shoes have completely changed endurance sport. World records are tumbling. Recovery between sessions seems quicker. And for many runners and triathletes, they feel almost impossible to ignore. But are they coming with a hidden cost? In this episode, I’m joined by physio and sub-30-minute 10k runner Andy Smith to explore what these shoes are actually doing biomechanically, why we may now be seeing different injury patterns in runners and triathletes, and how to use carbon-plated shoes without breaking yourself in the process. This is a practical conversation about performance, durability, strength, and why “faster” isn’t always as simple as it looks. 5 KEY POINTS 1. Carbon shoes change running mechanics - They reduce load on the calf and Achilles… but shift stress further up the chain. 2. Injury patterns may be changing - Andy is seeing more bone stress injuries in areas like the femur and pelvis. 3. Faster recovery can be deceptive - The shoes may allow athletes to handle more training volume… before the body is ready. 4. Strength is now non-negotiable - Foot, calf, hip, pelvis and core strength all become even more important. 5. Most athletes transition too…
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